What Are Calabrian Chili Peppers?

Calabrian chili peppers are a vibrant and spicy treasure hailing from Calabria, Italy. These small, round, and red peppers pack a punch in both heat and flavor. Known for their moderately spicy taste balanced with a bright, fruity undertone, they're a favorite in Italian cuisine and beyond.

Calabrian chilis are often preserved in oil, which helps to mellow their heat a bit and bring out their unique flavors, making them an excellent addition to pizzas, pastas, and sauces. They add a delightful kick without overwhelming the dish. If you love adding a bit of zest to your meals, Calabrian chili peppers are definitely worth exploring.

Calabrian Chili Varieties

Diavolicchio

Diavolicchio,' is aptly named the “little devil.” This is one of the most common varieties of Calabrian chili peppers. Small but mighty, these peppers pack a significant punch in terms of heat. When dried, they are often crushed into flakes or infused into olive oils to create a versatile and explosively flavorful addition to pizzas, pasta, and more.

Naso di Cane

This little gem from Italy isn't just a treat for your taste buds; it's an adventure in flavor! Named after its distinct nose shape—that's "dog's nose" in Italian—this chili might just sniff out a special place in your kitchen. Not too hot, not too mild, the Naso di Cane is perfect for those who appreciate a moderate kick without the fire extinguisher on standby.

Sigaretta

This slender, finger-like chili is not just a treat for the eyes but also packs a punch in the flavor department. Originating from Italy, the Sigaretta chili pepper boasts a bright red color that adds a pop to any dish. It's perfect for those who appreciate a sharp, peppery kick without overwhelming the palate. Whether you're whipping up a sizzling stir-fry, fiery sauces, or just want to infuse a bit of spice into your meals, the Sigaretta is your go-to pepper.

Peperoncini a Mazzetto

This charming variety, often seen bundled together in attractive bunches, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Originating from the sun-kissed regions of Italy, Peperoncini a Mazzetto peppers are known for their mild to moderate heat, making them a perfect choice for those who appreciate a gentle kick without overwhelming spiciness. What sets them apart is their wonderfully crisp texture and subtly sweet, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes.

Casarella

Casarella also known as cherry pepper, is a variety you will most often find for stuffed pepper recipes. Stuffing these peppers with different meats and fillings allows you to pair the flavor of the pepper with other savory elements.

The Origin Of Calabrian Chili Peppers And Their Brief History

Calabrian chili peppers, known locally as peperoncino Calabrese, are one of the vibrant treasures of Southern Italy, specifically the Calabria region. These peppers infuse dishes with a fiery kick and a burst of color, making them beloved by chefs and food enthusiasts globally.

Calabrian chili peppers have been spicing up Italian cuisine for centuries. Introduced to Italy through trade, peppers quickly found a favorable environment in the warm Mediterranean climate of Calabria. Over time, they became a staple in local gardens and kitchens, much admired for their robust flavor and versatility.

Historically, Calabrians found ingenious ways to incorporate these chilis into their daily diet. From curing them in olive oil to blending them into pastes and sauces, each method brought out a unique aspect of the pepper’s character. The famous 'Nduja, a spicy, spreadable pork sausage, showcases the deep integration of the chilis into Calabrian food culture.

The cultivation of Calabrian chili peppers is steeped in tradition and local pride. Farmers pass down their knowledge and techniques from generation to generation, ensuring that the quality and distinctive heat of the peppers are maintained. This deep-rooted heritage is a key component of what makes these chilis so special.

Today, these peppers continue to inspire new culinary creations and can be found in kitchens around the world. Whether you're using them to add a dash of piquancy to a pizza or to enliven a hearty stew, Calabrian chili peppers bring a touch of Italian warmth and tradition to any dish.

The Best Calabrian Chili Peppers - The Delallo Difference

At DeLallo, we understand that the best dishes start with the best ingredients. That’s why our Calabrian Chili Peppers are sourced directly from the rich, fertile soils of Calabria, Italy. Known for its lush landscapes and robust agriculture, Calabria is the heartland of some of the world’s most flavorful chili peppers.

Ways To Use Calabrian Chili Peppers And Recipes

These delightful chilies are not just about spiciness; they also offer a fruity, smoky layer to dishes that can transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some fantastic ways to use Calabrian chili peppers and a couple of recipes to get you started:

Pasta Sauce Enhancer: Give your regular pasta sauce an exciting kick by stirring in some chopped Calabrian chilies. They blend beautifully with tomato-based sauces, adding depth and heat like this Spicy Calabrian Chili Sauce, Spicy Sausage Carbonara, or Avocado Oil Pasta with Spiced Shrimp.

Spicy Pizza Topping: Chop them up and sprinkle over your pizza before baking for an extra zest that complements cheese and pepperoni wonderfully. We love this Calabrian Pepper Pizza with Mascarpone and Sausage and this Spicy Sausage Pizza with Roasted Corn and Jalapenos.

Flavorful Meat and Seafood Marinades: Whether it’s chicken, beef, pork or seafood, a marinade with Calabrian chili can infuse the meat with a delicious, spicy flavor. Mix with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a marinade that’s sure to please.

Zesty Salad Dressings: Whisk together some Calabrian chili paste, olive oil, vinegar, and a little honey for a dressing that adds a lively punch to any salad.

Fiery Sandwich Spreads: Blend Calabrian chilies into mayonnaise or hummus to spread on your sandwiches for an instant flavor boost.

Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with chopped Calabrian chilies and roast them to perfection. They add a nice heat that enhances the natural sweetness of roasted veggies.

Calabrian Chili Peppers: FAQ

What Does A Calabrian Chili Pepper Look Like?

Calabrian chili peppers are generally small and round, about the size of a cherry or a walnut, and pack quite a punch with their fiery red color. When they ripen, they develop a slightly wrinkled texture, which just adds to their charm.

What Do Calabrian Chili Peppers Taste Like?

These peppers have a bright, robust flavor that combines fruity, smoky, and spicy notes, all wrapped up with a decent but not overwhelming heat. Imagine a slightly smoky taste followed by a zesty punch.

Are Calabrian Chili Peppers Spicy?

Calabrian chili peppers really pack a punch in terms of heat, but they also bring a gorgeous depth of flavor to any dish. These peppers have a distinct spicy profile that is sure to spice up your meals, while also adding a tangy and slightly smoky taste.

How Spicy Are Calabrian Chili Peppers?

These vibrant red gems from the Calabria region of Italy pack a delightful punch, but they're not just about the spice. They sit somewhere in the middle of the heat scale (typically ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 Scoville Heat Units), making them moderately spicy with a noticeable but manageable kick. What makes Calabrian chili peppers truly special is their flavor profile. They have a bright, fruity taste with a bit of smokiness, adding not just spice but also depth to dishes.

How Do I Store Calabrian Chili Peppers?

• Refrigeration: Fresh Calabrian chilis should be stored in the refrigerator. Just pop them in a resealable bag or an airtight container and they’ll stay good for about a week.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them around longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze them whole on a baking sheet first, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together and you can grab just the amount you need whenever you spice things up!
• Drying: Drying Calabrian chilis is another fantastic way to preserve them. Simply hang them up in a dry, ventilated space or lay them out in a sunny spot until they’re completely dried. Once dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months to even a year!
• In oil: If you’re into oils, you can also submerge the dried or roasted chilis in olive oil. Ensure they’re fully covered to avoid any spoilage. Store this spicy infusion in the refrigerator and use it to add some kick to your dishes!
• Pickling: For those who love a bit of tang, pickling Calabrian chilis is another neat trick. Just mix vinegar, water, salt, and maybe some garlic or other spices, and bring to a boil. Pour the hot mixture over the chilis in a jar, seal it up, and refrigerate.

What Are Good Substitutes For Calabrian Chili Peppers?

There are several great substitutes that can still bring a delightful heat and zest to your dishes. Here are a few friendly suggestions:

1. Red Pepper Flakes: A pantry staple, red pepper flakes are an easy swap. They're made from crushed dried chilies and can add a similar heat to your dishes, though they lack the fruity notes of Calabrian peppers.

2. Serrano Peppers: If you're after something fresh, Serrano peppers make a good substitute. They offer a comparable heat level and a bright, sharp flavor that can mimic the intensity of Calabrian chilies.

3. Fresno Chili Peppers: These chilies have a mild to moderate heat and a slightly smoky, fruity flavor similar to Calabrian peppers. They work well in fresh salsas, sauces, and dishes where you want a bit of a kick without overwhelming heat.

4. Cherry Peppers: Also known as pimentos, cherry peppers are milder but have a sweet, tangy profile that can bring some of the fruity dimensions you'd get from Calabrian chilies. They are great for stuffing or adding to sandwiches and salads.

5. Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Powder): If you're okay with a bit of a flavor twist, gochugaru offers a smoky, sweet heat that can be a fun alternative in cooked dishes. It's milder than Calabrian chili paste but can be adjusted to match the heat level you desire.

What Is Calabrian Chili Paste?

Calabrian chili paste is made from crushing hot calabrian chili peppers and combining them with oil.

Where Can I Buy Delallo Calabrian Chili Peppers?

Order DeLallo whole Calabrian chili peppers or crushed Calabrian chili peppers online or find it at some major supermarkets across the country.